The use of the whip has been a common source of debate in recent weeks, with discussions over it's usage and the punishment for rules breaks currently a hot topic and in deeper investigation with punters, the media and the sporting's governing body - the British Horseracing Authority.
The whip is a tool specifically designed to strike horses in the aid to guide them towards an intended target or to exert control over the situation.
Typically a bendy stick, it is deemed by some to only generate a sound to remind horse's of their respective tasks and to not hurt them, whilst others disagree.
It allows riders to get the best out of their mount when calling for maximum effort, particularly in the closing stages of a racing contest.
Any use of the whip by a jockey must not only be appropriate, proportionate or professional, but by also taking account of the 'Rules of Racing' and in depth guidelines laid out by the BHA.
The permitted number of uses of the whip - with hands off the reins, is seven times for Flat races and eight times for Jumps race.
Stewards will consider whether to hold an enquiry if a rider has used his whip eight times or more in a Flat race or nine times or more in a Jump race - or misused in some other way.
The use of the whip letalone punishments for its' overuse is certainly on the agenda for animal rights campaign groups such as Animal Aid to tackle.
Animal Aid - one of the world’s longest established groups, was founded back in 1977.
They campaign against all forms of animal abuse, and in particular are against the sport of horse racing due to many varying factors.
Dene Stansall is the organisation's horse racing representative, and we sat down and discussed how the company stands on the whip and what needs to change going forward.